Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring.

It's another case of a problem that wasn't flagged until patients got hurt.

The advisory panel on Thursday urged the FDA to reclassify plastic surgical mesh used to repair pelvic collapse. The consensus recommendation means that, if the FDA agrees, manufacturers would be required to prove the safety and effectiveness of the products.

Consumer groups want a recall, but medical device makers say mesh offers advantages, and the rate of serious complications is low. The FDA said in July it had underestimated the risks, which include pain, bleeding and infection.

The agency often follows the recommendations of its advisers.

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